CH 20

Request for Reinforcements

Author’s Note:

2019/08/05 03:40 Partially revised.

I made a mistake with how the new character refers to themself…sorry.

“W-well then, to commemorate the completion of our first commission– cheers!”

After submitting the Sharp Rabbits’ claws at the Guild’s counter, we decided to have dinner at one of the taverns located within the premises.

The four of us are gathered at a circular table, and Mize makes a toast.

Although I call it a toast, each of us are only holding a glass with fruit juice, not alcohol. In this kingdom, only people over the age of 18 are allowed to drink alcoholic beverages.

“Ahh, I’m glad it all worked out in the end.”

“That’s right. I was surprised when explosions started going off nearby…although I do wonder what that was all about.”

“I did expect that Demonic Beasts might be running loose, but I haven’t heard anything quite like that so far.”

Gran, Elysia, and Mize chat while trying various dishes.

“Did Tweight not know anything? About the explosions?”

“Ah…on my way back to the Dovecote Forest, I heard some loud noises by chance, but I was too far away to make out what they were.”

“I see. Well, if you were any closer, you might have been caught up in the middle of it, so I’d say you got lucky.”

In response to Gran’s words, I nod while replying, “That’s right”, and take a sip from my glass.

An order of herb-roasted chicken was brought to our table. Gran was the first to reach out and take it, while Elysia, who was watching from the side, made an aghast expression.

— How nostalgic.

After everyone finished their work, we all gather around the same table to eat.

I’ve experienced this when I was still part of the Organization. I didn’t particularly appreciate it back then…but now, I feel differently about it.

Not all agents at the Organization were like me, who was taken in at an early age. Some were adventurers, some were mercenaries, some were doctors, and some were scholars.

Having dinner together after work…this custom was practiced by the Organization, and now that I think about it, this was probably their way of showing consideration. For them who understood what an ordinary everyday life is, this was their way of being thoughtful to us, who knew nothing outside our extraordinary everyday lives.

“…I’ll leave my seat for a bit.”

I excuse myself from the three of them and leave the table.

If I let my guard down in a place like this, my former colleagues would laugh at me.

After leaving the Guild, I take a [Communication Paper] out of my pocket.

I then head to a nearby alley and call Chris.

“Chris, is now a good time?”

“Yes…wait, it’s quite noisy. Where are you?”

“The Adventurer’s Guild. I’m just outside now though…”

“The Guild is usually noisiest at this time of day. How nostalgic, I was taken care of by the Guild before I joined the Bureau…but I’m glad. From the looks of it, it sounds like you’re enjoying your everyday life to some extent.”

“If you consider escorting someone while lurking in the shadows as part of everyday life.”

“You should learn from this time then: don’t carelessly owe the Bureau.”

I have no retort to that, so I keep my mouth shut.

“So then, what can I do for you?”

Chris’ question reminds me to get back to the main issue.

That’s right. Now is not the time for an idle chat.

“I need additional manpower. I can no longer protect Mize by myself.”

I state my business straightforwardly.

It’s not an expression of weakness.– It’s a consultation for a change in strategy.

“Mize recently registered at the Guild. Perhaps, in the future, there will be many times when we leave the city…unlike in the city where there are a lot of eyes watching, I have no confidence in doing it by myself outside. I barely managed to escort her this time, but I can’t say the same about the next time.”

For the escort this time, there were 2 possible scenarios where I could have failed. One would be if the Demonic Beasts inhabiting the forest got in the way of my escorting. The other one would be if the bandits decided to split into 2 groups to get Mize in a pincer attack.

I was lucky enough to not have fallen into either scenario.

But in a mission where lives are at stake, luck is the most unreliable factor of all.

“It might be an extreme measure, but if we confine Mize within the city, I should be able to continue escorting her by myself. But…taking that kind of measure is unacceptable, isn’t it?”

“…Yes. The client has requested that you do your best not to obstruct Her Royal Highness’ activities. Strictly speaking, we have been told not to provoke Her Royal Highness.”

“Provoke, huh…another vague request.”

“That’s right. But it doesn’t change what we have to do.”

I will continue to do what I have been doing: escorting Mize without her realizing it.

My task has not changed. But the situation has changed.

“Then, as I’ve said, I need additional manpower. Preferably someone who has the firepower I lack.”

“Roger that. Speaking of which, I’ve already made arrangements.”

“…What?”

“I also think that it was a close call this time. I’ve already called in an available agent while we were processing the corpses…they should be on their way to you now.”

Already on their way?

I was impressed with the quick work, so I couldn’t say anything in return.

“Who~ is this?”

Suddenly, hands come from behind me and cover my eyes, obscuring my vision.

At the same time, a question is posed by the voice of a young girl.

I’ve heard this voice before.

“…02.”

“Ahaha! Wrong answer~!”

The girl’s hands, which were covering my eyes, moved away.

When I turned around, a girl with orange hair and a bright face was there.

“Right now, I’m– Oz. I’ll be in your care, right, Tweight?”

The girl says, smiling happily.

This girl was– my former colleague.

Author’s Note:

There will be a detailed look at 02 in the next chapter.

We’ve finally reached 10000000 PVs!

It’s thanks to the support of you readers that this story was able to catch the attention of many people. Thank you very much!